Big character, too. He has been picked by American sportswear company Warrior to be the first player to wear their new boots.

The colour scheme is not exactly subdued but Fellaini has the style to wear them well. He is, in fact, a man in demand. As January approaches he is rumoured to be the top transfer target for a host of clubs.

Everton are desperate to hang on to him and Fellaini, grateful to the club and David Moyes for giving him his chance, insists he would be happy to stay.

He has earned rave reviews this season as Moyes has encouraged him to play in a more forward role.

And he will be seen as the main threat to Manchester City’s unbeaten record when the two teams meet at the Etihad Stadium today.

Fellaini said: “I see myself as a defensive midfielder but the manager thinks I can play No.10, No.8, No.6 so I go wherever he wants and I give my all.

“I prefer defensive midfielder because I know my job there. More things are in front of you. It is difficult to play with your back to goal. It is not my position but the manager likes me there and I am happy to do it.

“I don’t have a goal target. Now I have more chances to score because I play in front but scoring is not my obsession.

“I don’t care whether it’s me who scores or other guys.”

Everton are paupers compared to the spending power of Man City but Moyes is confident his team can level the playing field against the champions this afternoon.

He said: “This match is maybe the haves v the have-nots but when we cross the white line no one is thinking about the differences in finances.

“It is 11 versus 11 and if we can continue the record of making it hard for them and upsetting them we will.”

Moyes’ recent record against City is good, particularly at the Etihad Stadium where last year’s defeat came after victories in four successive seasons.

Mancini’s side are undefeated in 36 Premier League home matches, dating back almost two years, but that does not concern Moyes.

However, he is worried by the lack of goals from ex-Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic, who has netted just once in his last seven outings, as his team toil to kill off games.

Moyes said: “Jela created one or two opportunities against Arsenal and made a great chance for himself and should have hit the target. That was a bit more like it and let’s hope he keeps it going.

“At the moment Fellaini is getting the goals but we need him and Jela to get a lot between them.”